The incidence of basal cell carcinoma in the under-30s in the UK

BACKGROUND: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the commonest cancer in many countries, but the current incidence in young people from the UK is unknown. AIM: To ascertain a recent incidence of BCC in the under-30 population in the UK. Methods. Cancer registry data from part of the Eastern Region of the UK was analysed for two periods: 1981-1989 and 1998-2006. Case notes were examined for a cohort of the patients from 1998 to 2006. RESULTS: The incidence of BCC increased from 0.73 to 1.79 per 100 000 in those aged < 30 years over the study period. More than half (55%) of BCCs were on the head and neck, and the most common histological subtype was superficial BCC (38%). CONCLUSIONS: The reported incidence of BCC in those aged < 30 years has increased by 145% during this period, corresponding to an average annual increase of 8.53%. This may be partially due to earlier presentation and to increased use of surgical treatments